Larry Cole (born March 4, 1946) is an American former professional football player who spent his entire National Football League (NFL) career with the Dallas Cowboys (1970–1980).
Early life and education
Cole was born in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He played college football at the University of New Mexico, where he was a defensive lineman.
Professional career
Undrafted in the 1969 NFL Draft, Cole signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. He initially contributed on special teams before becoming a regular member of the Cowboys' defensive front. Primarily a defensive tackle, Cole also played defensive end and was noted for his versatility and durability.
During his tenure, the Cowboys appeared in six NFC Championship Games and won two Super Bowls (VI in 1971 and XII in 1977). Cole started in 61 of the 132 regular‑season games he played and recorded 14 unofficial sacks (sack statistics were not officially recorded until 1982). He retired after the 1980 season.
Post‑football activities
After retiring from the NFL, Cole worked in the pharmaceutical sales industry and has been involved in various charitable and community organizations in Texas.
Legacy
Cole is remembered as a steady, team‑oriented contributor to one of the NFL’s most successful franchises of the 1970s. His decade‑long career with a single team places him among the notable one‑team players in league history.
